Passadiços do Paiva

The wooden walkways along the Paiva river, in the Arouca Geopark.

The Passadiços do Paiva are wooden walkways that run for eight kilometres along the left bank of the Paiva river, between Areinho and Espiunca, in the Arouca Geopark. Suspended above the water at the edge of the gorge, they opened the wild valley of the Paiva to walkers and became one of the most popular routes of northern Portugal.

The walkways

The route follows the river through the gorge of the Paiva, a valley that is part of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its geological heritage — from the rocks of the gorge to the fossils of the region. At its northern end, near Areinho, the walkways connect with the 516 Arouca, a pedestrian suspension bridge over the river, one of the longest of its kind in the world.

볼거리

The walkways above the water, along the gorge of the Paiva.
The rapids, beaches and clear water of the river.
The 516 Arouca suspension bridge, at the northern end of the route.
The landscapes of the Arouca Geopark around the valley.

Visiting

The route is walked in one direction, between the two river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, and needs a ticket, with numbers controlled through the day; comfortable footwear and water are essential, and the walkways should be avoided in heavy rain or strong wind warnings. The booking, opening and safety conditions follow the official information of the municipality of Arouca.